PERFECT weather conditions for the 2014 Australian National Field Days (ANFD) meant more than 18,000 people came through the gates for the three-day event.
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Field days administration manager Jayne West said Saturday became a focus for families and people looking for lifestyle exhibits.
“The weather was really on our side this year.
“I’ve been here when we’ve had storms, rain, high winds and even snow, but this is the hottest field days I can remember in 14 years,” she said.
Ms West said strong sales were reported by exhibitors of cattle races and crushes and for water tanks both for on farm, and home use.
“But the Winnebago and caravan exhibitors have also told us they had good sales,” she said.
Ms West said the success this year augers well for the future of the field days.
“Farmers come having done their homework, but there is no way a farmer is going to buy an $80,000 tractor without coming to the field days in person to see it.
“They are still after a hands-on experience,” she said.
Ms West said Saturday’s attendance at the field days definitely had a strong family focus.
“Both our usual car parks were full so we had to direct people to other areas.
“The crowd came in two waves - first in the early morning and secondly later in the day, probably to fit in with family’s sports commitments,” she said.
Ms West said the ANFD’s formula of hosting events and exhibits not only for the farming community, but the wider community including people from towns and villages around Orange was a key to the success of the event.